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A Sword Without a Hilt: A Song of Ice and Fire/D&D 3.5 Crossover

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[X] "You raise the point of there being Seven Kingdoms, where I see dozens of provinces, and one Imperium."
-[X] "There are even now Westerosi serving as lords and holders of high office in Essos, just as well as there are now similar holding the same responsibilities in Westeros."
--[X] "The most cogent fact of the matter I will raise is thus: Governor Umaris will hire on those assistants and experts as she feels necessary for the smooth governance, ongoing stability, and continued improvement of the province given into her care. It matters not whether they are men or women of Westeros or Essos, or even beings from the great realms beyond, so long as they possess the skills and temperament to accomplish the tasks to which the Governor appoints them."
---[X] "The Administration typically selects during its hiring process based upon merit and qualifications, and does not discriminate on their place of origin, so long as they are a citizen of the realm in good standing. The specifics of those procedures can be plainly read if one has but the time to do so."
----[X] "With primary and higher education centers yet to be built in Westeros in order to create a pool of people with the desired skills, and an as of yet limited number of candidates with the proper experience, at least without already of course possessing conflicting titles barring them from office, or other responsibilities binding them..." you barely need to go over the fact that the Citadel is in upheaval at this time, "... some of those selected will be recently stepping foot onto Western shore. This is to be expected and welcomed, because it is another transitory sensation that will give way to prosperity for the people living there, new industries, trades and callings."
-----[X] "These are the essential facts, my Lord. Unresolved deficiencies, in knowledge, skill and familiarity, will be settled with all due haste, yet it is still the responsibility of the Administration to ensure those experts are made available. Via protocol and procedure, broad-sweeping measures with a longer view in mind." And not the nobility, who would rather use these gubernatorial powers to inflate their House's influence, whereas you would like to limit the amount of corruption to a less problematic, self-compounding extent. "That is why there is a Minister of Education, a Minister of Administration... and so on."
------[X] "All of you desire to that your voices will be heard, fairly so. That it will not be uncaring or ignorant hands at the tiller, with good cause, given the past. Yet the guiding mechanisms of boundless Empire cannot be chartered by appointments with concerns of their own still at home, but must remain within the remit of those who have at their sole responsibility that of ensuring the gears are well-oiled and evenly turning."
 
Last edited:
It's hard to get an opportunity to write them. I'm busier on the weekends, and during the week my availability to view the thread is variable. Though I guess I can always swing the overnight vote if I try.
 
Hightower. If we're going with factions that oppose house Targaryen at their highest and tries to subvert it to their gain, Hightowers does it best.
 
Vote closed and added to the big post of policy decisions. This reaction is going to mark Curia discourse for a while
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Apr 20, 2021 at 3:35 AM, finished with 56 posts and 28 votes.
  • [X] "You raise the point of there being Seven Kingdoms, where I see dozens of provinces, and one Imperium."
    -[X] "There are even now Westerosi serving as lords and holders of high office in Essos just as well as there are now similar holding the same responsibilities in Westeros."
    --[X] "The most cogent fact of the matter I will raise is thus: Governor Umaris will hire on those assistants and experts as she feels necessary for the smooth governance, ongoing stability, and continued improvement of the province given into her care. It matters not whether they are men or women of Westeros or Essos, or even beings from the great realms beyond, so long as they possess the skills and temperament to accomplish the tasks to which the Governor appoints them."
    ---[X] "The Administration typically selects during its hiring process based upon merit and qualifications, and does not discriminate on their place of origin, so long as they are a citizen of the realm in good standing. The specifics of those procedures can be plainly read if one has but the time to do so."
    ----[X] "With primary and higher education centers yet to be built in Westeros in order to create a pool of people with the desired skills, and an as of yet limited number of candidates with the proper experience, at least without already of course possessing conflicting titles barring them from office, or other responsibilities binding them..." you barely need to go over the fact that the Citadel is in upheaval at this time, "... some of those selected will be recently stepping foot onto Western shore. This is to be expected and welcomed, because it is another transitory sensation that will give way to prosperity for the people living there, new industries, trades and callings."
    -----[X] "These are the essential facts, my Lord. Unresolved deficiencies, in knowledge, skill and familiarity, will be settled with all due haste, yet it is still the responsibility of the Administration to ensure those experts are made available. Via protocol and procedure, broad-sweeping measures with a longer view in mind." And not the nobility, who would rather use these gubernatorial powers to inflate their House's influence, whereas you would like to limit the amount of corruption to a less problematic, self-compounding extent. "That is why there is a Minister of Education, a Minister of Administration... and so on."
    ------[X] "All of you desire to that your voices will be heard, fairly so. That it will not be uncaring or ignorant hands at the tiller, with good cause, given the past. Yet the guiding mechanisms of boundless Empire cannot be chartered by appointments with concerns of their own still at home, but must remain within the remit of those who have at their sole responsibility that of ensuring the gears are well-oiled and evenly turning."
    [X] Cause it's a shit hole and no one in westeros is trained in city planning.
    [X] Criki
Click to expand...
 
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Part MMMDCCLXIV: Setting the Tone
  • Threadmarks
    • Setting the Tone ​

    Seventeenth Day of the Fifth Month 294 AC

    "You raise the point of there being Seven Kingdoms, where I see dozens of provinces, and one Imperium," you reply, careful not so raise your voice any more than the excellent acoustics of the chamber require. A rebuke you must deliver, but a measured one. "There are even now Westerosi serving as lords and holders of high office in Essos just as well as there are now similar holding the same responsibilities in Westeros." Not exactly what he had asked about, because King's Landing is hardly just 'in Westeros', but that is the line you are going to take. No regional sanctuaries and no special treatment for the former seat of kings, you have after all made it rather plain that you are more than a king.

    Now to soften it a bit... just a bit. "The most cogent fact of the matter I will raise is thus: Governor Umaris will hire on those assistants and experts as she feels necessary for the smooth governance, ongoing stability, and continued improvement of the province given into her care. It matters not whether they are men or women of Westeros or Essos, or even beings from the great realms beyond, so long as they possess the skills and temperament to accomplish the tasks to which the Governor appoints them."

    Paxter and those lords who already look to him for leadership do not seem relieved at the words, chastised mayhap, but how long that shall take them you cannot say.

    "The Administration typically selects others during its hiring process based upon merit and qualifications, and does not discriminate on their place of origin, so long as they are a citizen of the realm in good standing. The specifics of those procedures can be plainly read if one has but the time to do so." You pause, seeing that Duke Manderly is shifting uncomfortably in his seat and not from any discomfort of the fine silk upon it. This is a forum for debate, not the holding of speeches, you remind yourself.

    "The Duke from White Harbor is recognized," you proclaim, waiting politely for Wyman to find his feet. You wonder if he would take advantage of the Flesh-Forge to shed a few stones of weight. It is clearly not healthy to carry around, all discomfort aside.

    "Your Majesty, the place of one's origin should surely be of some meaning. My own kin have come far indeed to rule the lands of the North by the grace of the then Kings of Winter and I plainly say they did not learn the doing of their tasks all that swift. Why, it is still recounted with some mirth that when the time came to lay down stores for the first winter they had laid what they counted a goodly amount and prudent for Reachmen, and then the man from Winterfell looked over the parchments, grunted and said, 'a good start, for the first year'."

    "And then shall all have the use of local experience, Duke Manderly," you reply. "None doubt the worth of such qualifications as experience can breed, but we are far indeed from the days of the Kings of Winter and there are better ways to teach and to learn than simply passing from one mouth to one pair of ears in the course of one's duties. There is a reason we have among the portfolios of the realm a Minister of Education. Much learning and much teaching has there been done in the last few years, and much more there is yet to be done."

    The Northern duke bows, seemingly content with your answer, though other eyes are still clearly uneasy at the thought of Essos ascendancy over them. No, you realize, not even Essosi, more a matter of up-jumped commoners and clerks holding court over a place of such vast significance and wealth as King's Landing... and never mind that it is also a cesspool of a city that desperately needs someone to set it in order and make sure its citizens no longer die of cold and plague and dine upon rats.

    "With primary and higher education centers yet to be built in Westeros in order to create a pool of people with the desired skills, and an as of yet limited number of candidates with the proper experience, at least without already of course possessing conflicting titles barring them from office, or other responsibilities binding them..." you trail off, not needing to explain that the Citadel is in no fit state to take a larger role at the moment even if you would allow it, "... some of those selected will be recently stepping foot onto Western shore. This is to be expected and welcomed, because it is another transitory sensation that will give way to prosperity for the people living there, new industries, trades and callings."

    Duke Redwyne requests to speak then and fair and soft are his words. "I do not doubt the aid of our fellow citizens from beyond the Narrow Sea, nor the truth of your words, Your Majesty, and thou may count me well content with the answer."

    Like ripples in a still pond that are just now settling the trouble seems to dissipate, though to your eye it seems as though the stone you have cast has become part of the bottom of the pool. Nobles like Paxter Redwyne may be trusted to vote with the throne in most things, but they shall value the symbols of rule and the old order more highly than those one might call Imperialists. For all you might melt down the Iron throne its shadow shall stretch long.

    Monarchist Mood: Uneasy
    Many fair words are given yet still many who are not of Westeros and do not value its traditions are being placed in position of economic and symbolic power, and the throne speaks only of future redress for the imbalances of the present.

    Imperialist Mood: Vindicated
    Merit shall be the only standard by which the Governors shall be named, merit and loyalty for the throne .

    The remaining two governors appointments, Syrio Coltheris for Red Lake and Este Argalys, go through without much comment. Any objections that might have been given to the latter having already been presented in the case of the new administrator of King's Landing. On the morrow you shall have to bring forth the ministers and that is likely to raise far more comment in some quarters than the governors ever could have. In fact, it might be worth considering the order now as well as the words they shall speak at their confirmations.

    In what order shall the Ministers be confirmed?

    [] Write in

    Do you interfere in their speeches and presentation to the Curia in any way?

    [] Yes
    -[] Write in how

    [] No, see how this plays out

    OOC: The list of Ministers can be found on the sheet here. Keep in mind the character and nature of these people when considering if you should meddle and how. I hope you guys do not mind me cutting off the speech a bit, by the time it became clear what tack you were taking the monarchists stopped pushing and it would have been rather awkward to keep pushing with them formally declaring themselves satisfied.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • DragonParadox said:
    Setting the Tone ​

    Seventeenth Day of the Fifth Month 294 AC

    "You raise the point of there being Seven Kingdoms, where I see dozens of provinces, and one Imperium," you reply, careful not so raise your voice any more than the excellent acoustics of the chamber require. A rebuke you must deliver, but a measured one. "There are even now Westerosi serving as lords and holders of high office in Essos, just as well as there are now similar holding the same responsibilities in Westeros." Not exactly what he had asked about, because King's Landing is hardly just 'in Westeros', but that is the line you are going to take. No regional sanctuaries and no special treatment for the former seat of kings. After all, you have made it rather plain that you are more than a king.

    Now to soften it a bit... just a bit. "The most cogent fact of the matter I will raise is thus: Governor Umaris will hire on those assistants and experts as she feels necessary for the smooth governance, ongoing stability, and continued improvement of the province given into her care. It matters not whether they are men or women of Westeros or Essos, or even beings from the great realms beyond, so long as they possess the skills and temperament to accomplish the tasks to which the Governor appoints them."

    Paxter and those lords who already look to him for leadership do not seem relieved at the words, chastised mayhap, but how long that shall take them you cannot say.

    "The Administration typically selects others during its hiring process based upon merit and qualifications, and does not discriminate on their place of origin, so long as they are a citizen of the realm in good standing. The specifics of those procedures can be plainly read if one has but the time to do so." You pause, seeing that Duke Manderly is shifting uncomfortably in his seat, and not from any discomfort of the fine silk upon it. This is a forum for debate, not the holding of speeches, you remind yourself.

    "The Duke from White Harbor is recognized," you proclaim, waiting politely for Wyman to find his feet. You wonder if he would take advantage of the Flesh-Forge to shed a few stones of weight. It is clearly not healthy to carry around, all discomfort aside.

    "Your Majesty, the place of one's origin should surely be of some meaning. My own kin have come far indeed to rule the lands of the North by the grace of the then Kings of Winter, and I plainly say they did not learn the doing of their tasks all that swift. Why, it is still recounted with some mirth that when the time came to lay down stores for the first winter, they had laid what they counted a goodly amount and prudent for Reachmen, and then the man from Winterfell looked over the parchments, grunted, and said, 'a good start, for the first year'."

    "And then shall all have the use of local experience, Duke Manderly," you reply. "None doubt the worth of such qualifications as experience can breed, but we are far indeed from the days of the Kings of Winter and there are better ways to teach and to learn than simply passing from one mouth to one pair of ears in the course of one's duties. There is a reason we have among the portfolios of the realm a Minister of Education. Much learning and much teaching has there been done in the last few years, and much more there is yet to be done."

    The Northern duke bows, seemingly content with your answer, though other eyes are still clearly uneasy at the thought of Essosi ascendancy over them. No, you realize, not even Essosi, but more a matter of up-jumped commoners and clerks holding court over a place of such vast significance and wealth as King's Landing... and never mind that it is also a cesspool of a city that desperately needs someone to set it in order and make sure its citizens no longer die of cold and plague and dine upon rats.

    "With primary and higher education centers yet to be built in Westeros in order to create a pool of people with the desired skills, and an as of yet limited number of candidates with the proper experience, at least without already of course possessing conflicting titles barring them from office, or other responsibilities binding them..." you trail off, not needing to explain that the Citadel is in no fit state to take a larger role at the moment, even if you would allow it, "... some of those selected will be recently stepping foot onto Western shore. This is to be expected and welcomed, because it is another transitory sensation that will give way to prosperity for the people living there, new industries, trades and callings."

    Duke Redwyne requests to speak then, and fair and soft are his words. "I do not doubt the aid of our fellow citizens from beyond the Narrow Sea, nor the truth of your words, Your Majesty, and thou may count me well content with the answer."

    Like ripples in a still pond that are just now settling, the trouble seems to dissipate, though to your eye it seems as though the stone you have cast has become part of the bottom of the pool. Nobles like Paxter Redwyne may be trusted to vote with the throne in most things, but they shall value the symbols of rule and the old order more highly than those one might call Imperialists. For all you might melt down the Iron throne, its shadow shall stretch long.

    Monarchist Mood: Uneasy
    Many fair words are given, yet still many who are not of Westeros and do not value its traditions are being placed in position of economic and symbolic power, and the throne speaks only of future redress for the imbalances of the present.

    Imperialist Mood: Vindicated
    Merit shall be the only standard by which the Governors shall be named, merit and loyalty for the throne.

    The remaining two governors appointments, Syrio Coltheris for Red Lake and Este Argalys, go through without much comment. Any objections that might have been given to the latter having already been presented in the case of the new administrator of King's Landing. On the morrow, you shall have to bring forth the ministers and that is likely to raise far more comment in some quarters than the governors ever could have. In fact, it might be worth considering the order now as well as the words they shall speak at their confirmations.

    In what order shall the Ministers be confirmed?

    [] Write in

    Do you interfere in their speeches and presentation to the Curia in any way?

    [] Yes
    -[] Write in how

    [] No, see how this plays out

    OOC: The list of Ministers can be found on the sheet here. Keep in mind the character and nature of these people when considering if you should meddle and how. I hope you guys do not mind me cutting off the speech a bit, by the time it became clear what tack you were taking the monarchists stopped pushing and it would have been rather awkward to keep pushing with them formally declaring themselves satisfied.
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    Click to shrink...
    Made some additional edits to the chapter, DP.
     
    Honestly, with the principles we've been pushing (merit over blood and lineage) I'm surprised Monarchists are only uneasy. Though I'm certain lords like Stannis will see this as a blessing as their realms will soon be able to take an influx of skilled workers and competent peers that are actually bothered to take their duties seriously.
     
    Trevor23 said:
    Honestly, with the principles we've been pushing (merit over blood and lineage) I'm surprised Monarchists are only uneasy. Though I'm certain lords like Stannis will see this as a blessing as their realms will soon be able to take an influx of skilled workers and competent peers that are actually bothered to take their duties seriously.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Well you did leave a lot of lords in place, even those who surrendered only in the face of the Airforce, that goes a long way to calming them.
     
    Monarchists firmly believe that their blood does make them better than everyone else. What rankles them is that they have to prove it now and that others of lesser lineage might be considered just as great and capable as them.
     
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